Midland Group
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The Midland Group
The Midland Group of the Gauge One Model Railway
Association was initially set up in the early 1980’s to design and build our
exhibition layout ‘Stanley Midland’. Over the years, this has grown
considerably, and now has two live steam circuits, a comprehensive steaming bay
and many other features, including fully functioning water towers. In addition
to this another layout has come on stream, “Midsomer Norton,” which apart
from the features of “Stanley Midland” caters for electric powered loco’s.
Where floor space is restricted at exhibitions we have a display stand complete
with video player in order to give the general public a flavour of Gauge One, so
to speak.
A view of the 'Thompson Halt' layout at the annual Midland Group January indoor GTG in Birmingham
The highlight of the Midland Group year is the annual
Midland Model Engineering Exhibition. The layout is organised and run by Midland
Group members, with assistance from the national Gauge One Model Railway
Association. Each year well over 50 operators, and more than a 100 locomotives
are in action over six days of the show.
This superb live-steam LNER/BR Thompson K1 2-6-0 Mogul was built by Bob Ashton
The Midland Group is not just for the Model Engineering
Exhibition though. We have an AGM and an indoor running session in January, plus
a full calendar of summer events at various garden railways belonging to our
members. A comprehensive insurance scheme is also run for our members’
engines.
Two drivers attend to their engines during a Midland Group indoor GTG
For newcomers to Gauge 1, members of the Association have
designed a LMS Class 4F steam 0 - 6 - 0 (called the Project) which has been
built by many enthusiasts as a first venture in steam. A group of Midland
members have also built a 4F specifically for members who would like to try
running the engine before taking the plunge. Another group have developed radio
control systems for battery powered models which run alongside steam on most
layouts.
A magnificent live-steam Somerset & Dorset Railway 7F 2-8-0 pictured on the 'Thomson Halt' turntable
The current Midland Group Annual subscription is £3.00 and
membership is open to members of the national Gauge One Model Railway
Association.
For details of the National Association membership please contact:-
For details of the Midland Group please contact
Joining Us
Welcome to an insight into the Midland Group of the Gauge ‘1’ Model Railway Association (G1MRA). The Association has an international membership, so there‘s no ‘club house’ as with other societies.
The advantage of having the Midland Group is that it caters for members who generally live in the Midlands area, however, all G1MRA Members are welcome to join. The group was initially set up in the early 1980’s to design and build a Gauge ‘1’ exhibition layout……..‘Stanley Midland’.
Stanley Midland is the flag ship of the Midland Group and is ‘worked’ at all the major Model Engineering Exhibitions and Shows. A monumental layout, having two main running lines for both live steam and battery operation, a comprehensive steaming bay, shunting sidings, platforms and many other features, including an array of authentic railway buildings and figures. Being under constant improvement for the benefit of those who use it…..or just view it, all Members are invited to enjoy and share in the experience of being part of this unique heritage.
At exhibitions where floor space is limited, we have a static display stand with a video player to give the general public a flavour of ‘Gauge 1’.
The highlight of the Midland Group calendar is the annual Midland Model Engineering Exhibition. The layout is organised and run by Midland Group Members, with assistance from G1MRA Members. Each year well over 50 operators, and more than 100 locomotives are in action over the duration of the show. In addition to this the Midland Group attends the Warley Exhibition at the NEC and the Large Scale Model Rail Exhibition held at the “Fosse” in Warwickshire.
Summer events are held at various garden railways belonging to our Members, who kindly open their gardens and extend warm hospitality to all that attend.
For members without a loco, the Midland Group offers two ways to get “hands on”. For electric propulsion fans, there is a radio controlled Bachmann Jinty. For those that want to try live steam, a Fowler 4F loco (The Project) was constructed by Midland Group members and is available to run at any event….it is there to be used! Advice and or tuition from experienced members is always available.
Although owned by the main association, the Midland Group also looks after a rake of BR MK 1 carmine and cream coaches, plus a train of freight wagons so there is something to haul at events.
There is a Committee, which sits four times a year to discuss matters relating to the Group, with an AGM held in January.
The AGM is combined with an indoor running session, where privately owned portable tracks are erected for the enjoyment of Members.
All Midland Members receive an invitation to the AGM and a ‘News Sheet’. Also enclosed is a ‘Diary Sheet’ detailing all the calendar events throughout the following 12 months. This allows every Member to plan their year around Gauge ‘1’………..after seeking permission of course! The ‘News Sheet’ reports on achievements and brings Members up to date on Stanley Midland and other topics of interest within the Midland Group.
There is a subscription of £3 payable on 1st January, which runs for the year, but you must be a member of G1MRA first.
You may well ask!……”Why do I need to pay a further subscription when I’ve just paid the G1MRA fee” ?……well, we have to cover the cost of postage, printing etc, plus expenses for maintenance, insurance and development of Stanley Midland.
Members are encouraged to help and get involved in setting up Stanley Midland and also in its maintenance. Even though its construction is of a robust nature, it does suffer the rigours of transportation and heavy usage.
Finally, there exists within the Group a wealth of knowledge and experience on all aspects of Gauge ‘1’, whether it involves machining, silver soldering, painting & lining, trouble shooting, problems when running, etc, etc………..rest assured, someone has ‘been there’ and are only too willing to help!
If you are interested in joining the ‘Midland Group’ (remember, you must be a Member of G1MRA first!) please refer to the Local Groups Co-ordinator list in the G1MRA Newsletter and Journal.
Group Secre
